Glasgow School – Early Modern Kitchen

This kitchen is on the northeast side of an 1892 Victorian house. An earlier remodel left the kitchen dungeon green. The first remodeler closed the large north window to make room for a dishwasher. The original floors were dark wood, and the back door had a small window at the top.

To increase light in the kitchen, we painted it three shades of white and used bold black and white vinyl squares to create a high intensity complementary contrast. We built shallow base cabinets in one corner. They provide a nook for the breakfast table. All cabinets have checkered door pulls made of inlaid bone. The refrigerator bulged out of the corner. To maintain the flow of space, Sally moved the mammoth fridge to pantry.

The owner collects Art inspired by the Glasgow School. We integrated pieces from the collection into the design. For example, the windows and back door have leaded panels from St. Louis. The glass panels are from 1900, and are in the Glasgow Rose Pattern. From these panels, we made a window, back door, and transom.

The stove and table are Art Deco from the 1930’s. The tall chairs are reproductions of the Hill House Chair by Charles Rennie Macintosh.

To maximize brightness in the room we used three shades of white. One tinted cream, one tinted blue, and the other, silver. We created a strong complementary contrast on the floor. The glass door and window give additional light.

Translucency is a good way to increase the feeling of space. The sheer curtain over the rose window adds an area of hazy light and obscures the fence six feet away. At the same time, it accentuates the rose motifs.

The south wall of the kitchen is a  place for arrangements. Under a print by Alice Glenney,  checkered balls alternate with flowers.

Sally likes to integrate places for pets. For the family poodle, she designed a Deco style sofa and checkered feeding dishes, which trundle under the stove when not in use. The dog B&B is on the north side.